CAREER: Unlocking Spin Topological States in 1D Molecular Systems for Highly Efficient, Tunable Long-Range Quantum Transport

About This Grant

Non-Technical description: Molecular electronics seeks to harness atomically precise molecular structures to enable next-generation miniaturized electronic and quantum technologies, offering novel properties and functions unattainable with conventional materials. However, a central, long-standing challenge remains: how to design molecular materials that can support efficient charge transport across long distances? This project will tackle this challenge through a new approach that leverages rational design to deliberately shape the structure of molecules to dictate the way electrons move and interact. This research will explore quantum transport in neutral, open-shell molecular systems at the single-molecule level. By investigating molecules with tailored patterns of how electrons occupy and move between different regions within a molecule, both experimentally and theoretically, the research team will uncover how key physical, chemical, and environmental factors govern the generation of spin topological states in one-dimensional organic systems. This effort will lead to the development of general design guidelines for realizing robust, long-range quantum transport in molecular materials. This project also includes an educational component designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of STEM workforce that is both scientifically literate and passionate about quantum frontiers of molecular sciences. Centered on peer-engaged, interactive, and collaborative learning, the education plan will provide tailored learning and training experiences to students in the Greater Miami Metro Area. By integrating museum outreach and on-campus lab tour for K-12 students with collaborative research projects for undergraduate and graduate students, the educational activities will train students in the fields of molecular quantum sciences and nanotechnology, fostering a pipeline of quantum-inspired STEM workforce. Technical description: Molecular electronics aims to create novel electronic properties and functions from atomically precise molecular building blocks, offering pathways to miniaturize electronic devices beyond silicon and enable breakthroughs in electronics, photonics, spintronics, and quantum information sciences. The central long-standing challenge targeted by this project is to design molecules capable of facilitating efficient charge transport across long distances. This project will tackle this challenge through a new approach that harnesses rational design of molecular orbital topology. The principal investigator will investigate an emerging class of neutral, open-shell molecular framework that can give rise to spin topological states under ambient conditions. Through an integrated approach combining innovative molecular design, single-molecule transport measurements, and first-principles theoretical modeling, this project will address the following fundamental questions: Which molecular design supports and stabilizes spin topological edge states in organic systems? What structural factors determine charge and spin coherent length and how they impact the resulting transport behaviors of molecules? How can topological state-mediated transport be actively manipulated? This effort will unravel the design guidelines, mechanisms, and limits for realizing robust, long-range quantum transport in molecular materials, laying the groundwork for future advances in molecular electronics, photonics, spintronics, and quantum information technologies. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.